Nothing beats a rich, velvety gravy to crown your favorite dishes, and this Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe is exactly that—simple, flavorful, and allergen-friendly. Whether you’re dishing up turkey or mashed potatoes, this gravy brings that comforting, savory touch everyone loves without any gluten fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of gravies over the years, but this gluten-free version quickly became a staple. It’s incredibly smooth with just the right amount of seasoning, plus it’s so quick to whip up you won’t believe it.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need three main things and a handful of seasonings, making it super approachable.
- Versatility: Use turkey, chicken, beef, or veggie broth to match your meal perfectly.
- Perfect Texture: Sweet rice flour creates that silky, lump-free finish every time.
- Allergy-Friendly: No gluten here, so everyone at the table can enjoy it worry-free.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe plays a key role in its flavor and texture. Picking good quality broth and the right flour really makes a difference in your final gravy.
- Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: Butter adds richness and depth, while olive oil is a great dairy-free option; either gives the base a lovely sheen.
- Sweet Rice Flour or White Rice Flour: This is your gluten-free thickener—sweet rice flour gives a slightly creamy texture that I adore.
- Warm Broth (Turkey, Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable): Warm broth helps avoid lumps and infuses the gravy with savory flavor; homemade or high-quality store-bought works great.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential to brighten and balance the flavors.
- Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Adds umami and a subtle depth that's hard to replicate otherwise.
- Garlic Powder: Just enough for a savory hint without overpowering.
- Onion Powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and aroma.
- Dried Thyme: Brings herbal warmth that complements poultry gravies perfectly.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this gravy is how easy it is to tweak for your mood or meal. You can deepen the flavor or keep it lighter depending on what you’re serving it with.
- Add Fresh Herbs: I once tossed in fresh rosemary and sage for a holiday feast—it gave the gravy an earthy brightness that was unforgettable.
- Use Different Broths: For a veggie-friendly meal, I swap in mushroom broth and it doesn’t disappoint in flavor or richness.
- Make It Spicy: A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne gives it a little kick when I want something extra cozy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Melt and Mix the Base
Start by melting the butter or heating your olive oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. I watch carefully so it shimmers without smoking—that’s when it’s just right. Then, whisk in the sweet rice flour. It will look pasty and thick at first, but keep whisking for about 3 minutes until it turns a lovely light beige. This step is key to cooking out that raw flour taste and building the foundation for smooth gravy.
Step 2: Slowly Add Broth
Next, slowly pour warm broth in a steady stream while whisking constantly. The warmth helps the mixture blend seamlessly without lumps. Keep whisking as the gravy thickens and bubbles gently. Once it starts bubbling, reduce your heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to develop its silky texture.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Stir in your gluten-free soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. I always recommend adding salt little by little because it’s easier to add than fix. Serve this gravy warm over your favorite dishes and watch it disappear fast.
Top Tip
From my experience, making gravy can be a bit intimidating at first, but these tips will help you nail it every time and avoid common pitfalls.
- Warm Your Broth: Cold broth causes lumps—warming it before adding ensures a smooth texture.
- Constant Whisking: Helps prevent flour clumps and makes your gravy perfectly silky.
- Patience with Simmering: Letting it simmer thickens the gravy properly and mellows the flavors.
- Season Last, Season Well: Adjust salt and pepper at the end to get the flavor just right without overpowering.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves—it adds a pop of color and that fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I even add a small swirl of extra olive oil for a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines poured over mashed potatoes, roast turkey, meatloaf, or even sautéed vegetables. I made it last Thanksgiving, and it was the perfect complement to my gluten-free stuffing and roasted carrots.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the gravy in a beautiful gravy boat surrounded by seasonal herbs or cranberries. It really adds a festive touch and invites guests to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gravy goes straight into an airtight container and into the fridge, where it keeps well for up to four days. Before storing, be sure to cool it down a bit to preserve its texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this gravy a couple of times, and it thaws beautifully. Freeze in small portions to make reheating easier and avoid wastage.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, whisking occasionally. If the gravy thickens beyond your liking after cooling, just whisk in a splash of warm broth or water to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While sweet rice flour provides a smooth texture and subtle sweetness, you can also use white rice flour or cornstarch, but you'll want to whisk carefully to avoid lumps.
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth to keep it vegan and gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
The key is whisking constantly while adding warm broth slowly. Also, cooking the flour paste first helps eliminate raw taste and makes it easier to mix in liquid smoothly.
Absolutely! You can make this gluten-free gravy a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back its silky consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe truly feels like home in a bowl. It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it’s comforting, dependable, and perfect for sharing around the table. Next time you want a gravy that everyone can enjoy—full of flavor, smooth texture, and that homemade touch—give this a try. I promise, you’ll be glad you did!
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Gluten-Free Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy gluten-free gravy recipe uses simple ingredients like sweet rice flour and broth to create a smooth, flavorful gravy perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal requiring a rich sauce. It’s quick to prepare and suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients
Gluten-Free Gravy Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil (1½ ounces; 42 grams)
- 3 tablespoons sweet rice flour or white rice flour (¾ ounce; 21 grams)
- 2 cups warm turkey, chicken, beef, or vegetable broth (16 ounces; 453 grams)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Melt butter or heat oil: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat or heat the olive oil until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Add rice flour: Add the sweet rice flour and whisk continuously until a paste forms, then continue whisking for about 3 minutes until the paste turns light beige.
- Incorporate broth: Slowly whisk in the warm broth in a steady stream, cooking and whisking constantly until the gravy thickens and begins to bubble.
- Simmer and season: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add gluten-free soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve and store: Serve the gravy warm. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Notes
- This gravy is naturally gluten-free and can be customized with your favorite broth or seasoning.
- Use sweet rice flour for a smoother texture; white rice flour works as an alternative.
- The soy sauce adds depth but can be omitted for soy-free versions.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.
- Perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or any dishes needing rich gravy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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